Does Automatic Transmission Fluid Have A Shelf Life?


You may be wondering iftransmission fluid go bador has a shelf life. The answer to this question depends on many aspects and who is answering the question.

Some factors that affect the shelf life of transmission oil include whether its seal has been broken or not.

However, if the seal is broken, the typical shelf life is around five years.

This article will answer the questions, Does automatic transmission fluid have a shelf life? including whether transmission fluid expires, what age it expires, and many other related questions. Let’s dive in!

shelf life of synthetic gear oil

Does Automatic Transmission Fluid Have A Shelf Life?

Automatic transmission fluid has a shelf life. It is typically stored for up to 5 years. The gear oil shelf life depends on many factors. One crucial reason is if the fluid seal has been opened or not. When the seal is broken, it comes in contact with air, water, and other external contaminants, which makes it start deteriorating immediately.

Furthermore, an unbroken seal of a transmission fluid means it can last for a very long time, depending on the brand or type of transmission fluid.

Many transmission fluid brands advertise that their product can last for a lifetime. It is not entirely wrong if it is appropriately sealed and not exposed to other external components.

However, there have been contrary opinions out there about its shelf life. Many need clarification because some fluid transmission brands have expiring dates.

Many factors could cause the transmission fluid to get bad even when properly sealed in its container. One major factor is the environment in which it is kept. If the fluid is exposed to too much heat for a prolonged period, it damages it.

Well-stored transmission fluid can last up to 5 years from manufacture. Most transmission fluids come without an expiry date but have a manufacturing date. You can calculate how long it has been stored through the manufacturing date. If it falls above five years, then you should avoid buying.

Does Transmission Fluid Deteriorate With Age?

Yes, the transmission fluid will deteriorate with age. Like other essential motor fluids in your vehicle, your transmission fluid will begin to reduce in quality as it is being used until it completely loses its ability to perform. It results from the fluid being exposed to external factors like air, water, dirt, and other contaminants.

Once the transmission fluid’s seal is removed and exposed to air, it ages and deteriorates. If you use an automatic transmission fluid, you should know it is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb water. When exposed to air, it can absorb moisture, which is when the damagebegins. It is why you need to ensure that no opening could allow air into the fluid.

Also, when the fluid is used, it is exposed to other contaminants like metal parts, oil, etc. These contaminants could cause the transmission fluid to become dirty after use.

If the fluid is still in its container and properly sealed, it takes much longer to get contaminated. The change interval for transmission fluid is between 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid has a change interval of between 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Is Expired Fluid Harmful?

Old and expired motor fluids harm both the vehicle and the environment. Motor fluid, like transmission fluid, when used for a long time, beyond its change interval, loses its important additives and components that make it function. Now, the fluid will not be able to perform both lubricative and hydraulic functions because it does not have the quality to do so.

Using an old and bad transmission fluid will harm the system and the engine. The friction will begin to increase in the transmission system damaging important parts. As a result of the increased friction in the system, a lot of heat will also be generated. This heat could damage parts of the transmission system and will be transferred to the engine, causing overheating. 

In addition, the transmission system will fail because the bad fluid or water in transmission cannot produce hydraulic power. You will experience problems like the inability to shift the gear, noise from the transmission and more. If the problem is left unattended to, it could cause serious issues with the gearbox and other vehicle parts.

How Do You Test Transmission Fluid?

There are a few ways to test whether the transmission fluid is good. Some may require physically checking the fluid or observing your vehicle for signs of dirty fluid.

If you are physically checking the transmission fluid, you must locate its dipstick. In most vehicles, the dipstick is usually located closer to the driver’s side of the engine. If you cannot find it, consult your vehicle’s manual.

Once you find the dipstick, draw it out, wipe it with a rag, and dip it back. Remove again and observe the color of the fluid. If it is dark brown or has significantly changed color from its original, then the fluid is bad and needs to be changed.

Also, you could observe your vehicle for bad transmission fluid. When your vehicle operates on dirty transmission fluid, it usually shows some obvious signs, including the following.

1. Problem with shifting gear.

2. Noise from the transmission system, especially when shifting.

3. Overheating in transmission and engine.

4. A slight burning smell.

5. A triggered warning light that may be related to the high temperature of the transmission.

6. Obvious leaks which can be visible beneath the vehicle.

Some signs could be traced to other transmission issues, so you should physically check the fluid. It would be best to get the whole transmission checked with a mechanic.

Conclusion

Does automatic transmission fluid have a shelf life? Transmission fluids are designed to last long and can be stored for an extended period if appropriately sealed. However, it is meant to last for five years when stored properly. Once the seal is removed and exposed to air and other contaminants, shelf life will reduce as it begins to deteriorate from that moment.

Akindayini Temiloluwa

I am Akindayini Temiloluwa, an automotive expert writer and car enthusiast. I have over three years of experience in the automotive writing niche and have completed over 300 pieces of content from 50 projects. I have vast knowledge and skill in vehicle repairing, all mechanical work, car upgrades and maintenance. My goal as an automotive content writer is to simplify the most challenging concepts for my readers, help them self-diagnose what may be wrong with their vehicles and offer real value for their time.

Recent Posts